Pet Sitter Confessional Pet Sitter Confessional, LLC

What challenges come with running a pet care business in a rural area? In this episode, Cathy Duvall, owner of Goin' to the Dogs Pet Sitting, shares her journey of relocating from metro Atlanta to the North Georgia mountains and the unique adaptations required for rural pet sitting. Cathy emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries for personal health and business sustainability, and how learning to say no transformed her approach. She discusses the stark differences between urban and rural pet sitting, including slower growth and varied client expectations. Cathy highlights the importance of professional credentials and how educating clients about being bonded and insured builds trust and peace of mind.
Main topics:
Starting out Setting boundaries and personal health Urban vs Rural pet care Ensuring Peace of Mind Continuing Education Main takeaway: The greatest compliment I can receive is when a client tells me I gave them peace of mind. That's how I know I did my job well.
About our guest:
Hi! I am Cathy Duvall, the sole proprietor of Goin’ to the Dogs Pet Sitting. Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS), Elite Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP). I started my business in March 2015 when I lived in Cumming, GA (in the metro Atlanta area). I relocated in 2018 to Mineral Bluff, GA in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, and I had to start my business from scratch when I relocated.
Before March 2015, I was a radio news reporter in my younger adult years and a technical writer in the mid-1990s. I grew weary of the grind and politics of corporate life, and I retired from it in 1997. I then became a happy stay-at-home wife and devoted dog mom! While living this wonderful chapter of my life, from time to time I would take care of my neighbors’ pets when they traveled and couldn’t take their fur kids with them. One of those neighbors suggested that I start a pet-sitting business. So I did!
My pet-care services include drop-in visits, vacation visits and overnight stays. I also offer dog-walking services on a limited basis. I continue to recover from three ankle surgeries since September 2021, so I must be selective about the dogs I can walk.
When I am not devoting my time to my pawsome pet clients, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Garland, and our two mixed-breed rescue dogs, Atlas and Aspen. I also do a weekly cat of the week write-up for my local newspaper when I am not tending to the duties of my pet-care business.
Links:
gointothedogsga@gmail.com
phone: 770-883-4644
https://www.facebook.com/cathy.duvall.31
https://www.facebook.com/gointothedogsga/
https://www.gointothedogsga.com/
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
Full show notes and transcript
 
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Time to Pet
Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional
Code: 50% off first 3 months
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
www.petsitters.org
 

Is fear holding you back in your pet care business? In this episode, we delve into the various types of fears business owners face and why addressing them is crucial for success. We discuss the physical and cognitive effects of fear, from the fight-or-flight response to avoidance behaviors, and provide strategies for overcoming these challenges through education and preparation. Building a support system and developing practical steps to manage fear are highlighted as essential tools for growth. Learn how to keep fear from controlling your business and empower yourself to achieve your goals.
Main topics:
Types of Fear Effects of Fear Importance of Preparation Build your support system Find your ‘Why’ Main takeaway: Find the one thing that will keep you moving when fear tries to keep you from your goal
Links:
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
Full show notes and transcript
 
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Pet Sitters Associates
Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com
Code: Confessional

How has the pet sitting industry evolved over the past 30 years? In this episode, Beth Stultz-Hairston, President of Pet Sitters International (PSI), discusses the organization's remarkable journey and its impact on professional pet care. She highlights PSI's commitment to supporting pet sitters through education, certification, and professional standards. Beth addresses the challenges faced by pet sitters, including time management, hiring, and self-care, and emphasizes the importance of adapting to industry trends. Beth underscores PSI's dedication to enhancing the professionalism and success of pet sitters worldwide.
Main topics:
History and Evolution of PSI
Pet Sitting Industry Challenges
Certification and Professional Standards
Trends in Pet Care Services
Future Opportunities and Celebrations
Main takeaway: As your business grows, the business side is often not the most fun side for anyone. It becomes a juggling act, and if you're not prepared for it, it can become extremely difficult really quickly.
About our guest:
Beth Stultz-Hairston has worked in the pet industry for nearly two decades and began her career with Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses, in 2004.  She has served as the PSI President since 2020. Beth is also the editor of Pet Sitter’s World magazine and author of The Professional Pet Sitter’s Startup Guide. She has also written for multiple pet-related blogs and publications. She regularly writes for The PSI Blog and was awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the Cat Writers Association and selected as a 2017 Muse Medallion winner. Beth received her B.A., English, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She pursued her studies in compassion fatigue through Divine Mercy University and Regent University. She is a member of Green Cross Academy of Traumatology and has obtained certification as both a Compassion Fatigue Educator and Compassion Fatigue Therapist.
Links:
petsit.com/wellness
petsit.com
Buy PSC Merch
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
Full show notes and transcript
 
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Time to Pet
Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional
Code: 50% off first 3 months
Pet Perennials
Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account
Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days

Is your business memorable? With a more crowded market than ever, we discuss strategies for making your business stand out and why it's crucial for success. We share the importance of defining the terms you use and the importance of offering unique services. Your clients are looking for feelings and emotions, so you should be connecting at that level with them, not in technical jargon. Learn how to differentiate your business and leave a positive, memorable impact on your clients.
Main topics:
Strategies for being memorable
Offering unique services
Engaging with clients
Building emotional connections
Main takeaway: Be known more for your passion than your policies.
Links:
Buy PSC Merch
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
Full show notes and transcript
 
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters 
Pet Sitters Associates
Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com
Code: Confessional

How are you navigating the challenges of business ownership? Joette White, owner of Park Cities Pet Sitter, shares her journey from being fired to successfully owning and growing a pet sitting business. She emphasizes the importance of staff management and trusting employees to foster growth. Joette highlights how personal growth and learning from failures have shaped her leadership style. She discusses adapting to challenges, especially during the pandemic, to strengthen the business foundation. Joette stresses the need for clear leadership and allowing space for staff to develop their strengths and confidence
Main topics:
Business Ownership Staff Management Personal Growth Pandemic Adaptation Leadership Challenges Main takeaway: If you don't give people the opportunity to fail, then they can't grow.
About our guest:
Joette has served on the Board of The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, helping to educate others in the industry about best practices.  Her company has won a multitude of local awards including Angie’s List Super Service Award for 5 consecutive years, “Best of Dallas” by D Magazine, and “Best of’s” from WFAA Channel 8, Dallas Voice, and The Dallas Observer.  Park Cities Pet Sitter was also awarded the prestigious NAPPS 2017 Business of the Year–this is a national award given to a pet sitting company that demonstrates outstanding business practices and vision in maintaining and growing their business.
Joette is married and is a mother to two boys.  Animals have always been a huge part of her life. In addition to “herding” the four Park Cities Pet Sitter office cats (Carl, Kruzer, Henry and George), Joette also has a sweet rescue dog named Phyllis and a short-haired rabbit named Toofus at her home. She strongly believes in giving back to her church and community, and does so by working with local shelters, as well as through education, training, and fund raising activities.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joette-white-43814b24/
Email Joette: joette@pcpsi.com
Website: https://www.pcpsi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkcitiespetsitter Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/park-cities-pet-sitter-inc- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PCPSI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Park-Cities-Pet-Sitter-Inc-300134640612 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCQVE7LfCLlayBOB9I8XWSA
EOS - entrepreneur operating system: https://www.eosworldwide.com
Buy PSC Merch
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
Full show notes and transcript
 
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Time to Pet
Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional
Code: 50% off first 3 months
 

Are you struggling to stay top of mind with your clients? We share our effective client engagement strategies, from personalized interactions to consistent communication. Discover the power of community outreach by building relationships with local businesses and participating in events. While in-person marketing is important, enhance your online presence through live social media sessions, email marketing, and SEO-friendly content. As always, it’s about exploring a variety of marketing strategies to ensure your business remains visible and relevant, even during slow periods.
Main topics:
Client Engagement
Community Outreach
Online Presence
Marketing Strategies
Main takeaway: People don't need you until they need you. We have to remind people that we’re still there for them.
Buy PSC Merch
Give us a call! (636) 364-8260 
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Email us at: feedback@petsitterconfessional.com
Full show notes and transcript
 
Sponsored by:
❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters
Pet Sitters Associates
Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com
Code: Confessional